Juvenile chapter books are big in our house right now. My son is an avid reader (Yay!) and he devours every chapter book. When we go the library I make sure to find books featuring African American characters and present them to him- sometimes it takes more looking than a young child might thing to do.
And I love finding books featuring African American boys. He’s very young still, so I have to be careful when I’m in more of the YA section rather than juvenile. Those 12+ themes are still too much for him, I think.
So on my last trip home I saw my 1970s copy of Sounder, by William H. Anderson. I remember a little about the story and that I was very affected by it. I think I may have read it in 3rd or 4th grade.
I’m going to re-read it, though, to see if he’s ready for it.
We may even be able to see the movie with Paul Winfield (I think there is a remake also with Carl Lumbly).
I’m starting a list of books to check out for him and pre-read. Today, via Twitter, I saw mention of Eighth Grade Superzero, by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich.
Here are some other possible titles on my list.
Zahrah the Windseeker, by Nnedi Okorafor – which is rated for grades 5 – 7 (Yay!)
Locomotion (and other titles) by Jacqueline Woodson –
The Ziggy series from Sharon Draper
Mildred Taylor’s (author of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry) books – we have a few already.
Donovan’s Word Jar, by Monalisa DeGross (we enjoyed Donovan’s Double Trouble)
What chapter books featuring Black characters do you remember reading? What books have the kids in your life enjoyed? Post suggestions in comments.
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